Monika Satkauskas is Wethersfield’s first state orchestra member

Wednesday

Jan 16, 2013 at 8:30 AM

She'll play Saturday at Peoria Civic Center

Dave Clarke

For the first time in its history, Wethersfield High School has had a student chosen to play in the Illinois Music Education Association’s All-State Orchestra. The twist? Wethersfield High School doesn’t have an orchestra. Never had one in 75 years.But WHS senior Monika Satkauskas will make school history when she plays violin in the All-State Orchestra Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Peoria Civic Center.This is the second year Satkauskas has auditioned for the orchestra, making it to the district level last year. This year she advanced to district where she was selected at one of nine sites to be one of the student violinists in the select state group.Monika, daughter of Dr. Remi and Irena Satkauskas, started taking violin lessons 11 years ago from Constance Deal, of Annawan. She now receives instruction from a teacher in the Chicago suburb of Western Springs. For the past four years she has traveled to Chicago at least once a week for rehearsals and performances with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra.Asked why she has never joined the band at her high school, she said she does not play any other instruments.Band director Jay Hagaman, in his 11th year at Wethersfield, has been supportive of Satkauskas’ efforts. “We are very proud of Monika, both of her talent and what she has accomplished thusfar. It’s great that the ILMEA makes it possible for individual student musicians to have a shot at making All-State, even if their school does not have an orchestra,” Hagaman said. While attending the four-day event, auditions will also be held for the Honors Orchestra, the best of the best. All-State bands and choruses will also perform.According to the ILMEA website, the All-State Orchestra will be conducted by David Rudge and perform Espana, by Chabrier; Three Dances from Bartered Bride, by Smetena; and Symphony No.4, Finale, by Tchaikovsky. Satkauskas has received the music in advance and is practicing on her own.The Honors Orchestra will be directed by William LaRue Jones and perform Symphony No.5, Finale, by Tchaikovsky; and Danzon No.2, by Marquez.Monika has been accepted to continue her education at Creighton University in Omaha, Neb., as well as several other schools, but presently considers Creighton her first choice. She plans to major in math and medicine.